promulgar

Promulgar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese that means to publish officially, proclaim, or disseminate something publicly. In legal contexts, promulgar a law or decree refers to the act by which a norm is officially announced and becomes legally effective. This typically follows approval by the legislative branch and may require signature or authentication by an executive authority. The promulgation is usually followed by publication in an official gazette, after which the law enters into force on a specified date. The exact steps and the responsible authorities vary by country; some jurisdictions separate the acts of sanción (approval) and promulgation, while others combine them.

Beyond the legal sense, promulgar can also mean to spread or publicize ideas, doctrines, or information to a broad audience. In this broader usage, it carries an authoritative or formal connotation when applied to official instruments, but it can also refer to widely disseminating viewpoints, research, or policies.

Etymology and related terms: promulgar derives from the Latin promulgare, meaning to publish or declare publicly. Related terms in Spanish include publicar, difundir, and proclamar, though each has its own typical context and nuance. In Portuguese, promulgar has a closely similar meaning and usage to its Spanish counterpart.

Usage notes: Promulgar is commonly used with nouns like ley, decreto, constitución, and norma. It is distinct from described acts of enforcement or application, which are separate steps in the legal process in many jurisdictions.